26 Márta 2014, 17:32
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has this evening expressed its full support for peace talks on the island of Cyprus.
26 March 2014
The statement of support follows a formal meeting this afternoon with Dr Michalis Stavrinos, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland, which considered the current situation in Cyprus, and prospects for the island's future. The meeting with the Ambassador discussed the resumption of talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders earlier this year.
Chairman of the Committee Pat Breen TD says: “On behalf of the Joint Committee, I wish to warmly welcome the resumption of structured talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders. This afternoon's meeting with Ambassador Dr Michalis Stavrinos was a valuable opportunity to assess the cautious optimism that now exists to secure a comprehensive and lasting settlement on the island. Reflecting on the Irish peace process, Committee Members are acutely aware of the long and arduous road ahead of leaders on both the Greek and Turkish sides. We are however encouraged the determination of political leaders to work with purpose towards a lasting settlement. Furthermore, the Committee expresses its full support for all parties involved in this process, including the international institutions such as the UN and EU, as well by the governments in Athens and Ankara.”
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Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
Deputies:
Pat Breen, Fine Gael (Chairman)
Eric Byrne, Labour
Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael (Vice-Chairman)
Seán Crowe, Sinn Féin
Olivia Mitchell, Fine Gael
Gerald Nash, Labour
Dan Neville, Fine Gael
Brendan Smith, Fianna Fáil
Maureen O’Sullivan, Independent
Senators:
Deirdre Clune, Fine Gael
Mark Daly, Fianna Fáil
Lorraine Higgins, Labour
Michael Mullins, Fine Gael
David Norris, Independent
Jim Walsh, Fianna Fáil